Feminist: Election Is A Sign Of Energy

July 25, 1985|By Katie Springer, Staff Writer

The election of Eleanor Smeal as president of the National Organization for Women reflects a ``new energy`` on the part of feminists who had become discouraged after the defeat of the Equal Rights Amendment, the president of NOW`s Broward County chapter said Wednesday.

``There was a lot of frustration and disappointment after the ERA was defeated,`` said Florence Loss, an Oakland Park councilwoman who also serves as president of the local NOW branch.

``I think we`re seeing some new energy now. Women are realizing more and more what Reagan`s policies are doing to us.``

Smeal, who was elected president of the national organization Sunday, pledged to take feminists ``back to the streets,`` saying they had been ``good for too long`` under the more low-key leadership of former President Judy Goldsmith.

Smeal had headed NOW from 1977 to 1983.

Loss said both presidents offered strong leadership, but that she was not surprised the membership had opted for a change of tactics now.

``I thought Judy Goldsmith was excellent at the time. (After the defeat of the ERA), we almost needed a time to slow down and be more methodical,`` she said. ``There had been such a crescendo, I think everyone needed a breather. . . .``

Dorothea Gallagher, vice president and a former president of the local NOW chapter, said one of the main reasons for the renewed energy among feminists is Reagan`s campaign to outlaw abortion.

``I think people are getting alarmed over the far right and the influence it is having over the Reagan administration. . . . Her call to get out on the streets struck a chord.``

The Broward County NOW chapter has a mailing list of about 400 members, 50 of whom are considered ``very active,`` Loss said. She said attendance at meetings has been up slightly in recent months.

``You can expect us to start being more involved,`` said Loss. ``It`s been a frustrating time, but the awareness is coming back.``

Among its projects, the Broward chapter is setting up a task force on violence against women and is planning to meet with feminist lawyers to try to gain more legal protection for women, she said.